Keys Replacement For Cars
You can buy an alternative key for a mechanical one at any hardware shop. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your car. They are costly however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, like the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut the basic key for you at a cheaper cost than what you'd pay at the dealership. You could also have a friend or neighbor that knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than factory keys) cut you a spare key and then program them. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't begin if a key without the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden in the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will accept the code that is on the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code.
If the spare key you have has chips, you'll have to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment needed to create an engraved key using a laser transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, particularly if you need an extra. If you have only the key shank missing, and an operational replacement fob, you can try to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and complicated. You're better off going to an expert when you've lost the key and the fob.
There are different kinds of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Some key fobs have an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be used in cars built in the last 10 years. The keys contain a microchip in the key itself as well as an internal receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two parts to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer device present, the car will not start and it is not possible to hotwire.
The key chips come with an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer inside the car and checked to be in line. If it does, the engine will start. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a special device that can read the chip and match it to another vehicle.
You'll require a locksmith who has the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to find an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to cut it correctly.
Most auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated chips keys, however you'll need to be aware of the serial number of the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied and end up paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic security measure against auto theft.
They also have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your car to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will protect your investment and stop thieves from trying to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is larger, which is a sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths generally employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise controlled angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle, since they're very hard to replicate and only cut by the dealer or a certified locksmith. In contrast to traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that's cut into a shape and then cut using a laser in the factory. This type of key can endure a lot of wear and tear, and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can be removed by pressing the button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your car, as the cylinder is extremely durable and is difficult to break.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then triggers the right frequency, allowing you to access your car and begin it.
The smart key's chip also has a number of security features that guard against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will display a different one that is an individual sequence that only your car can recognize. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, like storing driver preferences and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof via remote and many more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some cases it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have an unlock button that opens the doors on their own However, some key fobs have another method of opening them by a slot or placing the dead key near an area on the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Certain key fobs come with an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart lock requires a trip to the dealer, who can either request the replacement or have it on hand. The dealer will also have to program your new key to identify your car. You can also visit a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer however, they can do the job quicker and at a lower cost.